Langer quits IPL

Perth (Australia), Feb.24 (ANI): Former Australian opener Justin Langer has quit the inaugural Twenty20 Indian Premier League (IPL), opting to honour a prior commitment to the English county side Somerset.

Langer fetched 218,000 US dollars from the Jaipur franchise in Wednesday’s player auction, but The West Australian newspaper said here on Saturday that he declined the offer.

In rejecting Jaipur’s offer, Langer said he feared for the direction of world cricket, concerned that the riches of the IPL would change the priorities of some players.

“Before the auction, I don’t know if many people anticipated what an issue these massive player payments would become,” Langer said.

“But when you see how much money is being paid out, I think we have to be very careful to protect the integrity of the game. A few days ago, playing for Australia would have been the main goal for just about every young player in the country. Now that might not be the case,” he added.

Langer warned other players not to put quick cash ahead of personal achievement.

“When you go to your grave, people will remember what you did with your life rather than how much money you made,” he said.

Langer’s comments came as pressure mounted on the International Cricket Council (ICC) to create a gap in the international scheduling for the annual IPL tournament, which is generating plenty of controversy in Australia. (ANI)